- What age does my child need to be to join Troop 373?
- Troop 373 is a chartered member of Scouts BSA. Youth must be at least 10 years old and have completed Arrow of Light (usually the Spring of 5th grade) OR completed 5th grade if no prior Cub Scouts experience. Youth age out of Scouts BSA at age 18.
- What happens at Troop 373 Scout meetings?
- Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm. Scouts attend in “Class A” uniform (the official shirt and pants) unless otherwise instructed to wear “Class B” (the Troop 373 t-shirt).
- Lessons and activities are led by the Scouts and support their advancement requirements. They also plan their own camping and service events! For example, Scouts plan the meals for a weekend and who will do the grocery shopping. Adult leadership will guide scouts to hold fun and productive meetings.
- Unlike Cub Scout events, meetings are not a family activity. Scouts learn leadership and build relationships as a troop.
- How much does Scouting cost?
- All Scouts BSA troops collect annual dues for each youth. Much of the outdoor equipment is provided by Troop 373.
- Camping and other activities have individual costs and you can speak with our leaders for more information. For example, a weekend camping trip may cost $35. Summer camp and other adventures would have a higher but appropriate cost.
- Scouts can purchase their uniform and handbook at the local Scout Shop. Our closest Scout Shop is in Hanover, Maryland (near BWI).
- Do we need to be members of New Hope Lutheran church or a specific religion?
- No! Troop 373 welcomes Scouts of all beliefs. New Hope Lutheran has a long history as a sponsor of our Troop. They welcome us into their space and serve as our chartering organization. Most BSA troops are chartered by places of worship, schools, or community organizations.
- What is expected of me as a Scout parent?
- Your most important duty is to support your child in their growth along the scouting journey by nurturing their natural curiosity and leadership skills!
- Troop 373 runs on the contributions of our Scouts’ adults and parents. This can be serving in a coordinator role such as Service, Fundraising, or Transportation. The most involved positions are Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and Committee Leadership roles.
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